I was outside looking for my newspaper before 6:00am to see the grocery ads. RATS!! It looks like my store is not doing the turkey promotion this year. In the past, it has run for 7 or 8 weeks before Thanksgiving so that you would have the opportunity to earn a turkey point every week with a $35 minimum purchase. Well, it's 7 weeks before T Day and there's a big nothing going on.
I think Food Lion is doing one, but, their minimum purchase to get a point is $45, or so I've heard. I don't really like FL anyway. I guess I'll just have to get over not getting a free turkey this year. Don't you hate it when you get all worked up over the possibility of receiving something and then you don't get it? I'm trying to be a "grown up" about this, but, really, I wanted my turkey!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
My "Free" Turkey Strategy
Bi-Lo, where I do the majority of my shopping, has a promo every fall for a free turkey for Thanksgiving. In the past, it has required $35 minimum purchases 7 times during the promo period. I'm hoping those details don't change this year.
Here's my strategy; I'm holding onto $112 in free Qs. I will use them $35 at a time to get a turkey "point." That's 3 points without spending anything except tax. I have to buy 2 large bags of cat food soon. Combine that with the balance of the free Qs, that's another point. I do actually have to pay for groceries every now and then, so, only 3 more $35 purchases and I will have a free turkey.
What does your store do during this holiday period? Are there any special promos for you? Would you spend $35 a week for 7 weeks to get a free turkey? Am I too hung up on the "free" part of this deal that I don't see the downside?
Oh, I heard a helpful hint lately. As you know, the directions on the turkey always say to roast the turkey breast side up. I was told to turn it over. The juices drip down into the breast and keep it nice and juicy. You know, usually by the time the rest of the turkey is done, the breast is all dried out. I'm going to try it next time I roast a turkey. Along the same line, when cooking a chicken in a crock pot, put it breast side down in the pot. Also, make 4 or 5 little aluminum balls, place in the bottom of the pot, and your chicken won't be mushy from cooking in the accumulated juices. I've tried that. Worked great.
Here's my strategy; I'm holding onto $112 in free Qs. I will use them $35 at a time to get a turkey "point." That's 3 points without spending anything except tax. I have to buy 2 large bags of cat food soon. Combine that with the balance of the free Qs, that's another point. I do actually have to pay for groceries every now and then, so, only 3 more $35 purchases and I will have a free turkey.
What does your store do during this holiday period? Are there any special promos for you? Would you spend $35 a week for 7 weeks to get a free turkey? Am I too hung up on the "free" part of this deal that I don't see the downside?
Oh, I heard a helpful hint lately. As you know, the directions on the turkey always say to roast the turkey breast side up. I was told to turn it over. The juices drip down into the breast and keep it nice and juicy. You know, usually by the time the rest of the turkey is done, the breast is all dried out. I'm going to try it next time I roast a turkey. Along the same line, when cooking a chicken in a crock pot, put it breast side down in the pot. Also, make 4 or 5 little aluminum balls, place in the bottom of the pot, and your chicken won't be mushy from cooking in the accumulated juices. I've tried that. Worked great.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A Smokin' Promotion
I am a member of a program in which they collect junk mail and email relating to auto, home, medical, and life insurance, in addition to solicitations to buy mutual funds, credit card offers, etc. You just forward your junk email to them or send your snail mail junk in one of their postage paid envies. You earn points for your submissions and can redeem your points for GC to such places as TGI Fridays, Olive Garden, and Chili's. I think CVS is also in the list.
Anyway, I can sign up 6 people to join in on the goodies. If you would like to join, please email me at vickiburtonlives@bigfoot.com and give me your name and email address.
I have been a member for over a year and have had no negative experiences with this company. They have not raided my bank account, or scammed my credit card, or any other bad thing you could think of. I have spoken to the coordinator on several occasions. They really exist in Chicago and I usually earn a $20 GC every month for the junk I send them.
Anyway, I can sign up 6 people to join in on the goodies. If you would like to join, please email me at vickiburtonlives@bigfoot.com and give me your name and email address.
I have been a member for over a year and have had no negative experiences with this company. They have not raided my bank account, or scammed my credit card, or any other bad thing you could think of. I have spoken to the coordinator on several occasions. They really exist in Chicago and I usually earn a $20 GC every month for the junk I send them.
September End-Of-Month Accounting
I spent a total of $87.64 for the month of September. That leaves me to spend for the next 3 months, $85 per month to make goal this year.
I have used $2,550 in coupons, store card savings, and non-purchased gift cards so far this year. My Q use is 73% of my grocery bill. I really hadn't expected to do that well this year. I remember being in the grocery store in January and a woman struck up a conversation with me when she saw my coupon binder. I told her that I wanted to hit 68% coupon use this year, but, that I wouldn't be too disappointed if it were a bit less than that.
I've mentioned the Eight O'Clock Accumul8 program here in the past. I just received an email to inform me that the program is ending on 12/31 and that a "new" program will be rolled out in 2010. They are no longer taking referrals, but, if you are an existing member, you can still enter codes through the end of the year and redeem for whatever is left in their catalog. I consider myself lucky that I had enough to get the $25 Visa GC earlier this year. When I redeemed for it, it cost 2,500 points. Now, a $25 check costs 3,500 points.
There was a recent Michael Angelo's promo; buy 4 single-serve, get 4 Qs in return. I jumped on that. I love the convenience of those entrees, especially when I'm tired or just not wanting to cook. They mistakenly sent me 2 sets of 4 Qs. What a lovely surprise!
I have used $2,550 in coupons, store card savings, and non-purchased gift cards so far this year. My Q use is 73% of my grocery bill. I really hadn't expected to do that well this year. I remember being in the grocery store in January and a woman struck up a conversation with me when she saw my coupon binder. I told her that I wanted to hit 68% coupon use this year, but, that I wouldn't be too disappointed if it were a bit less than that.
I've mentioned the Eight O'Clock Accumul8 program here in the past. I just received an email to inform me that the program is ending on 12/31 and that a "new" program will be rolled out in 2010. They are no longer taking referrals, but, if you are an existing member, you can still enter codes through the end of the year and redeem for whatever is left in their catalog. I consider myself lucky that I had enough to get the $25 Visa GC earlier this year. When I redeemed for it, it cost 2,500 points. Now, a $25 check costs 3,500 points.
There was a recent Michael Angelo's promo; buy 4 single-serve, get 4 Qs in return. I jumped on that. I love the convenience of those entrees, especially when I'm tired or just not wanting to cook. They mistakenly sent me 2 sets of 4 Qs. What a lovely surprise!
Friday, September 25, 2009
I'm Really On Track This Month--Yea!
I'm a bit under $50 so far this month. I have been using a lot of the $1/2 Nabisco Qs for 4 oz. -big sizes. Rite Aid and CVS have had them on sale for .99 and $1 each. With the Qs, it breaks down to a lot less than buying a one pound size of crackers, ritz, oreos, etc.
I think I'll go to Target tomorrow or Sunday for a big bag of cat food. I have a $3.50 manufacturer's Q + I received a $2 Target Q for Purina Cat Chow when I was there yesterday to buy a bridal gift. I think the 14 lb. or 16 lb. bag is about $12.50 or thereabouts, so, with $5.50 off, I'll be doing quite well.
My favorite grocery store has a turkey promo every year, starting about 8 weeks before Thanksgiving (it's close, people!). With each $35 order, you get a turkey point and you need 7 to redeem for your free turkey. I've been hoarding my free Qs so that I can get a couple of turkey points without spending any money. After that, I guess I'll do a bit of stockpiling. How long can you keep a frozen turkey? I still have last year's!
I must confess that I have not adhered to the "3-a-day" rule for using stockpile. Today, though, I managed it. I'm in the midst of cooking a big meal; pork chops (Hormel, on a great sale), green beans (B2G1F), apples (BOGOF), and scallopped potatoes (Betty Crocker, free with a doubled Q). I think I have about $7.50 invested in it and it will feed me for 3-4 days. I've heard of a woman who has a website called "fivedollarmeals" or something like that. She feeds a family of 4 for no more than $5 a night. I'm not quite that good, but, I'm closing in on her. It really is harder to cook for one than it is to cook for 4. I know that I throw out some things because they've just been around too long.
I got a bit of a scare today. One of the "strays" that hangs out here was lying in the middle of the road, kind of twisted. I thought she'd been hit by a car. I walked closer to her and she didn't move. A car went by and she still didn't move. When I got to her, I was sure she was hurt. I gently picked her up and off she went! She apparently just likes the feel of asphalt! She's outside the front door right now and seems fine.
My dad is doing pretty well. The report he got from the doctor the other day was not too encouraging. His tumor is still inoperable. He is continuing on an oral chemo treatment every day. He's determined not to miss a home game of the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, a little more than 100 miles away. He has a friend going with him tomorrow, so, I get a day off.
I think I'll go to Target tomorrow or Sunday for a big bag of cat food. I have a $3.50 manufacturer's Q + I received a $2 Target Q for Purina Cat Chow when I was there yesterday to buy a bridal gift. I think the 14 lb. or 16 lb. bag is about $12.50 or thereabouts, so, with $5.50 off, I'll be doing quite well.
My favorite grocery store has a turkey promo every year, starting about 8 weeks before Thanksgiving (it's close, people!). With each $35 order, you get a turkey point and you need 7 to redeem for your free turkey. I've been hoarding my free Qs so that I can get a couple of turkey points without spending any money. After that, I guess I'll do a bit of stockpiling. How long can you keep a frozen turkey? I still have last year's!
I must confess that I have not adhered to the "3-a-day" rule for using stockpile. Today, though, I managed it. I'm in the midst of cooking a big meal; pork chops (Hormel, on a great sale), green beans (B2G1F), apples (BOGOF), and scallopped potatoes (Betty Crocker, free with a doubled Q). I think I have about $7.50 invested in it and it will feed me for 3-4 days. I've heard of a woman who has a website called "fivedollarmeals" or something like that. She feeds a family of 4 for no more than $5 a night. I'm not quite that good, but, I'm closing in on her. It really is harder to cook for one than it is to cook for 4. I know that I throw out some things because they've just been around too long.
I got a bit of a scare today. One of the "strays" that hangs out here was lying in the middle of the road, kind of twisted. I thought she'd been hit by a car. I walked closer to her and she didn't move. A car went by and she still didn't move. When I got to her, I was sure she was hurt. I gently picked her up and off she went! She apparently just likes the feel of asphalt! She's outside the front door right now and seems fine.
My dad is doing pretty well. The report he got from the doctor the other day was not too encouraging. His tumor is still inoperable. He is continuing on an oral chemo treatment every day. He's determined not to miss a home game of the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville, a little more than 100 miles away. He has a friend going with him tomorrow, so, I get a day off.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Mid-Month, Looking Good
I'm at $43.76 for the month so far. My coupon use is hovering around 73% for the year. It's time for more cat food, so, the % will fall somewhat with those purchases. I had a really good day at Petsmart lately; I got about $30 worth of stuff for about $5.50. Used a lot of Qs, had a Petsmart Q for $3 off a $10 purchase. Someone sent me a few of the $3 for Purina One. Petsmart had the $7.99 bag on sale for $4.99, so, I really did well. If you could just see all those little faces looking up at me every morning when I go into the basement to feed them. It would just melt your heart. I guess I am the neighborhood patron saint of cats. I think that's a good thing.
I hate to admit it, but, I almost never really look at the Walgreens or CVS flyers anymore. I do flip through them, but, if nothing jumps out at me, I don't go. I think it's saving me a lot of money, though! I have 100 tubes of toothpaste and 50 bottles of shampoo and conditioner. What could I possibly buy?
I hate to admit it, but, I almost never really look at the Walgreens or CVS flyers anymore. I do flip through them, but, if nothing jumps out at me, I don't go. I think it's saving me a lot of money, though! I have 100 tubes of toothpaste and 50 bottles of shampoo and conditioner. What could I possibly buy?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Good Deal On Cat Food
A 3.5 lb. bag of Purina One is usually $7.99. Too rich for my blood. Right now, Petsmart has it on sale for $4.99 and I had 2 of the $3 Qs on it. Not the best deal, but, the weight circles are worth twice as much as regular Purina Cat Chow. I feel like I did pretty well. I also had various canned food Qs, mostly BOGOF, that I used at Petsmart, along with the $3 Q I got for my cat's birthday. All totalled, I got close to $30 worth of cat food for $8.00 and change. I have in reserve 3 of the $3.50 Purina coupons for later use. I checked the Purina Give-A-Bowl site and found that the coupon is no longer available. I'll be keeping my eyes open for another opportunity. If you are reading this and find another Purina IP deal, PLEASE let me know. I am currently feeding 10 cats a day. At least, I don't have to put them though college!
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